MEETING TO ORDER:
The President, Jeff Darby KE0CAZ, called the meeting to order at 7:30 AM. Introductions of attendees were made by name and call-sign. A total of 24 club members and 2 guests were present.
SECRETARY-TREASURER REPORT:
The Sec-Treasurer Report was given by Marty Peters KE0PEZ. He reported the checking account balance. The amounts of club revenue and disbursements since the February meeting were $1,092.55 and $170.00, respectively. The major disbursement was to reimburse Del for handling the purchase of the Icom IC-7300 transceiver from Associated Radio. The revenue consisted of dues received from three clubmembers and a $100 anonymous donation to support the purchase of the IC-7300. The club is very appreciative of the generosity of this donor.
We would like to receive all 2019 club dues by March 31. Payment can be given to Jeff, Larry, or Marty at breakfast or sent to our post office box (SFTARC, P.O. Box 3144, Olathe, KS. 66063).
2019 Ham Classes [Larry Hall - KD0RIU ]
The ham class to prepare students for the General license concluded with testing on March 2, 2019. The students had been well prepared during the 8-week training program, and 13 students sat for the Tech, General and/or Extra tests. One examinee passed both Tech and General, nine upgraded to General, and one upgraded to Extra. The VE team complimented our club for running an effective and successful ham class.
Club Newsletter [Greg Wolfe – KI0KK]
Newsletter inputs are due by 7PM Wednesday, March 6th.
Club 501c7 process [Marty Peters - KE0PEZ]
Marty outlined four options for handling the club's tax status. 1) do nothing (opt not to file any tax returns or reports and hope that the IRS continues to leave us alone); 2) file a corporate tax return each year (Form 1120) and pay 21% tax on our taxable income; 3) disband the SFTARC and reorganize as a new club; and 4) file the Form 1024, which requires a $600 applicaton fee, to request reinstatement of the club tax-exempt status.
It was moved and seconded that the club proceed with option #4 to file the Reinstatement Request Form and to pay the $600 application fee. President Jeff Darby put the motion to a vote, and it passed unanimously.
Presentation [Don Cochran - KA0JOW]
Jeff introduced Don Cochran, WA0JOW, who spoke for a few minutes about his experiences with the ARRL Hamcation in Orlando, Florida. Don painted an appealing picture of the event, including the pleasant temperatures, the flea market, the selling of equipment out of tailgates and trunks of vehicles in a 10-football-field parking area, the affordable participation fees of $50 for a table for three days and $10 admission, and the forums on various subjects that were offered. Orlando is a great winter break and can be reached by car in 2 or 2 1/2 days.
Thanks, Don, for this enlightening presenation!
MO-KAN Council News [Jeff Darby - KE0CAZ]
Jeff met with the Council last week. They reviewed responses to a survey that had been sent out to member clubs. One good idea was to set up an Elmer Table at some of the larger ham events so that experienced ham operators can answer questions and advise new hams in all areas of amateur radio. An Elmer Table will be set up at the upcoming Hambash 2019; volunteer "Elmers" are needed to take shifts at an Elmer table at the Hambash 2019. If you would be available, please contact Jeff.
Joe Krout KR0UT reported about preliminary planning for other events that would bring together amateur radio clubs in the Kansas City area.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Jim Andera K0NK reported that a Junior Ranger Day is planned to take place at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve on April 20, 2019. We will again have the opportunity to set up equipment and demonstrate live radio communications to the Junior Rangers, parents, and other visitors. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is located about 160 km WSW of Kansas City near Strong City, Kansas. You are all encouraged to participate if you can.
WW1USA will hold a field-day style event on July 6-7, 2019, at the WW1 Memorial in Kansas City. The WW1USA events are coordinated by either the WW1USA Club or the MO-KAN Council. It was moved and seconded the the SFTARC trailer be transported to the WW1 Memorial for this event. The motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN:
After a motion, a second, and a unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 AM.
